Removable Strap Attachment for Ballistic Goggles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional low profile goggles with flexible lenses lack sufficient eye protection against ballistics and debris, and their elastic straps are typically permanently attached, requiring replacement of the entire goggle when damaged, rather than just the strap.
Innovation Solution
A strap attachment system for goggles that allows for the removable and interchangeable straps, featuring a lens structure with strategically placed holes and a strap connector mechanism that includes button and post elements for secure attachment and easy detachment, enabling the use of various straps with the same lens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a flexible lens is used in conventional low profile goggles, then the lens can contour against the user's face and form a seal, but the lens does not provide sufficient eye protection against ballistics and debris and may result in optical distortion when flexed
Solution Approach 1:
The goggle system is divided into separable components: a rigid lens assembly and a removable strap. The rigid lens maintains structural integrity for ballistic protection while the flexible strap provides contouring capability, resolving the contradiction between lens rigidity and face conformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The strap is designed with elastic properties to dynamically adapt and contour against the user's face, while the rigid lens remains static for optimal optical performance and protection. This dynamic flexibility is isolated to the strap rather than the lens.
2Device complexity
If the elastic strap is permanently attached to the lens, then the goggle structure is simple, but replacement of the whole goggle is required when the strap becomes unusable or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is segmented into a lens-mounted connector and a strap-mounted connector, allowing the strap to be independently removed and replaced while leaving the lens assembly intact. This enables selective replacement of only the worn component.
Solution Approach 2:
The strap is designed as a disposable component that can be discarded when worn, while the more expensive lens assembly is recovered and retained for continued use. The quick-release mechanism facilitates this selective replacement strategy.
3Reliability
If the strap is made from elastic material, then the goggle can be secured against the user's face, but the strap cannot be easily replaced when stretched-out or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic properties of the strap are maintained for reliable securing capability, while the attachment mechanism provides a controlled failure mode that enables easy replacement. The dynamic elasticity is separated from the permanent attachment structure.
Data Source
AI summary
Examples of strap attachment systems and goggles including same are described. Goggles according to the present examples may include a lens, a strap connector attached to the lens, and a strap including an attachment portion configured to be removably coupled to the strap connector. The strap connector may be fixedly or removably attached to the lens, and in certain examples the strap connector is pivotally coupled to the lens. A strap connector according to some examples herein includes a first molded body including a passage and a second molded body including a post, the passage configured to engage the post when inserted into the passage to secure the connector to the lens.